I'm as big a Kiffin hater as anyone. Before the season I predicted that USC (who opened #1 in the polls) would finish with 3 or even 4 conference losses. There have been rumors about USC's locker room not always being a great place to be, and it's hard to avoid the skepticism when Kiffin is constantly donning scowls and (I say this as scientifically as possible) generally looks like a whiny douche on the sidelines. He's always been a "less with more" coach. And Barkley, even though I really like him as a QB, and still do, I also recognized that his 2011 season ended on an obvious hot streak, and it's tough to play perfect football for terribly long. Really, this season is surprising everyone but me. I saw it coming a mile away.

Now excuse while I put my arm in a sling after patting myself on the back so hard, but even I don't think Kiffin should be fired. Yet. He still inherited a team in the midst of a death penalty, and all things being said, he did keep that team relevant. He did it more with stellar recruiting than with his mediocre coaching, but he has by no means earned a pink slip.

That said, where will USC be next season without Barkley? Max Browne will have to start as a Freshman. Browne should fit USC well given that Barkley was a similar type of player who relied on his brain more than his feet. Browne was a top QB prospect nationally (out of Seattle no less), and after watching him a little it's almost eery how much his footwork and mechanics look like Peyton Manning's, so I can see why the hype is there. But still, it's rare for freshman QBs to excel immediately- it's part of what's made Johnny Manziel a national sports hero. I could very easily see USC taking a big step back in 2013, and if they are 7-5 or 6-6, it would be reasonably justified to let Kiffin go, considering the wins vs. talent level.

Last edited by kearly on Mon Nov 19, 2012 2:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

kearly wrote:I'm as big a Kiffin hater as anyone. Before the season I predicted that USC (who opened #1 in the polls) would finish with 3 or even 4 conference losses. There have been rumors about USC's locker room not always being a great place to be, and it's hard to avoid the skepticism when Kiffin is constantly donning scowls and (I say this as scientifically as possible) generally looks like a whiny douche on the sidelines. He's always been a "less with more" coach. And Barkley, even though I really like him as a QB, and still do, I also recognized that his 2011 season ended on an obvious hot streak, and it's tough to play perfect football for terribly long. Really, this season is surprising everyone but me. I saw it coming a mile away.

Now excuse while I put my arm in a sling after patting myself on the back so hard, but even I don't think Kiffin should be fired. Yet. He still inherited a team in the midst of a death penalty, and all things being said, he did keep that team relevant. He did it more with stellar recruiting than with his mediocre coaching, but he has by no means earned a pink slip.

That said, where will USC be next season without Barkley? Max Browne will have to start as a RS Freshman. Browne should fit USC well given that Barkley was a similar type of player who relied on his brain more than his feet. Browne was a top QB prospect nationally (out of Seattle no less), and after watching him a little it's almost eery how much his footwork and mechanics look like Peyton Manning's, so I can see why the hype is there. But still, it's rare for freshman QBs to excel immediately- it's part of what's made Johnny Manziel a national sports hero. I could very easily see USC taking a big step back in 2013, and if they are 7-5 or 6-6, it would be reasonably justified to let Kiffin go, considering the wins vs. talent level.

Sark has to elevate the Huskies to a real Pac 12 champion before he is looked at for the USC job I am thinking, that and I don't think his mentality much like Pete will allow him to leave with a job half assed done.

To Be P/C or Not P/C That is the Question..........Seahawks kick Ass !!!! Check your PM's, Thank you for everything Radish RIP My Friend. Member of the 38 club.

Lane will be. Monte will most likely retire. Rumor has it he would stay on in some sort of admin role and someone else would become the defensive play caller. Ed O. is at least nominally the DC now, so I'm not sure how that would shake out.